By QED Consulting Engineers — structural & civil engineers, Notting Hill, Melbourne
Forensic structural engineering investigates building defects, cracking or failures — identifying the root cause and recommending remediation, often supported by an expert report. When something has gone wrong, or a dispute needs an independent technical opinion, this is the engineering that gets to the bottom of it.
Here's what forensic structural engineering involves.
What is forensic structural engineering?
Where most engineering looks forward to design a new structure, forensic engineering looks back — examining an existing structure to understand why a problem occurred. It applies the same engineering principles to diagnosis: what's happening, why, and what to do about it. The output is usually a clear written assessment, and where needed, an expert report.
Common issues investigated
Forensic investigations often cover:
- Cracking in walls, slabs or footings, and what's driving it
- Subsidence and footing movement
- Structural defects in workmanship or design
- Building failures or signs a structure isn't performing
- Water-related damage and its structural effects
The investigation process
A forensic investigation typically starts with a site inspection, gathering evidence on what's occurring. The engineer then analyses the likely root cause — distinguishing, for example, between reactive-soil movement, inadequate footings, or a construction defect — and sets out findings and recommended remediation. Getting the cause right is what allows the right, lasting fix.
Expert reports and disputes
Forensic findings are often needed for insurance claims, building disputes or proceedings (including at tribunals such as VCAT). An independent, well-reasoned expert report from a structural engineer carries real weight in these situations.
Our team draws on broad structural experience across residential and commercial work to investigate defects and failures across Melbourne.
Dealing with a defect, crack or dispute? Talk to a Melbourne structural engineer for an independent assessment.
Frequently asked questions
What does a forensic structural engineer do? Investigates an existing structure to find the root cause of a defect, cracking or failure, and recommends remediation — often with a written or expert report.
Can an engineer write a report for a dispute or VCAT? Yes — an independent expert report from a structural engineer is commonly used for insurance claims and building disputes, including tribunal proceedings.
How are building defects investigated? Through site inspection, evidence gathering and engineering analysis to determine the root cause, followed by findings and remediation recommendations.
What issues do forensic engineers investigate? Cracking, subsidence and footing movement, structural and construction defects, building failures, and water-related structural damage.
